Double Effect Adsorption Refrigerator with Multi-Source Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorption refrigerators face inefficiencies in utilizing multiple heat sources with different temperatures, leading to suboptimal energy utilization and refrigeration capacity in double effect adsorption cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double effect adsorption refrigerator with a third heat exchanger capable of applying heat from a second heat source to a third heating medium, along with a controller and temperature detectors to manage heat recovery and regeneration processes effectively, allowing for the utilization of both high-temperature and low-temperature heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single heat source is used in conventional adsorption refrigerators, then the system structure is simple, but the energy utilization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a condenser for high-temperature refrigerant vapor, a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the first heat source to the first heating medium, and a source of second heat source heat for the third heating medium. This multi-functionality enables the system to utilize multiple heat sources effectively without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the condensation process and heat exchange processes into a single integrated heat exchanger system. The heat from multiple sources (condensing vapor, first heat source, and second heat source) is combined to heat the third heating medium for adsorbent regeneration, thereby improving overall energy utilization efficiency
2Productivity
If heat from multiple sources is utilized, then the refrigeration capacity increases, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature detectors are installed to monitor the temperatures of the adsorbent and the third heating medium. The controller receives this temperature feedback and adjusts the switching of three-way valves and the operation of circulation pumps to maintain optimal temperatures, thereby managing the complexity of controlling multiple heat sources while ensuring efficient refrigeration
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (first state, second state, third state) based on temperature conditions and refrigeration demands. The controller adjusts the flow paths of heating and cooling media through three-way valves and circulation pumps in real-time, enabling flexible adaptation to varying conditions while maintaining refrigeration capacity
3Reliability
If adsorbent regeneration is performed frequently, then the adsorption performance is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers heat that would otherwise be wasted from multiple sources: the heat of condensation from high-temperature refrigerant vapor, heat from the first heat source, and heat from the second heat source. This recovered heat is utilized for adsorbent regeneration, reducing the need for additional energy input while maintaining adsorption performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameters of the third heating medium dynamically based on the regeneration needs of the adsorbent. By adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the third heating medium through controlled switching of heat paths, the system achieves effective regeneration while minimizing energy consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the efficiency and cooling capacity of the refrigeration cycles by effectively utilizing heat from multiple sources, improving the regeneration process and maintaining optimal temperatures for adsorbers.
Implementation Method 1
a material called an adsorbent (e.g., a porous material such as silica gel or zeolite) is disposed inside a container of an adsorber. Water as an adsorbent refrigerant is adsorbed and desorbed
Implementation Method 2
the adsorbent generates heat by adsorbing vapor. Thus, the heat of the adsorbent is removed by a cooling water from an appropriate heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
the adsorbent is heated by heat of an appropriate external heat source. When a temperature of the adsorbent increases by heating the adsorbent, moisture adhered to the adsorbent is detached (desorbed)
Implementation Method 4
The vapor separated from the adsorbent is cooled by heat exchange with a cooling water inside a condenser and returned as liquid water to the condenser
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An adsorption refrigerator comprising a first adsorber containing a first adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a first adsorbent refrigerant, a second adsorber containing a second adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the first adsorbent refrigerant, a first evaporator capable of evaporating the first adsorbent refrigerant under reduced pressure to cool a first working fluid, a first condenser capable of condensing the first adsorbent refrigerant in gaseous state, a third adsorber containing a third adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a second adsorbent refrigerant, a fourth adsorber containing a fourth adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the second adsorbent refrigerant, a second evaporator capable of evaporating the second adsorbent refrigerant under reduced pressure to cool a second working fluid, a second condenser capable of condensing the second adsorbent refrigerant in gaseous state, a first heat exchanger capable of applying heat absorbed from a first heat source to a first heating medium, a second heat exchanger capable of removing and releasing heat from a second heating medium, and a heat recovery path where a third heating medium performs recovery of adsorption heat generated by adsorption-driving of the first adsorber or the second adsorber and performs heat application of regeneration-driving of the third adsorber or the fourth adsorber.